Sonowal unveils ‘Jalvahak’ scheme to boost cargo movement via inland waterways

Sub : Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

‘Jalvahak’ scheme was launched on December 15, 2024, by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
It aims to boost long-haul cargo movement using inland waterways on National Waterways- NW 1 (Ganga), NW 2 (Brahmaputra), and NW 16 (Barak).
It also seeks to decongest railways and roadways while promoting eco-friendly and economical transportation.

Key Features of the Jalvahak Scheme:

Incentives for Waterway Transport:
- Reimbursement of up to 35% of the operating expenditure for transporting cargo via waterways on NW 1, NW 2, and NW 16.
- Encourages cargo owners to hire vessels operated by government entities.
- Target audience: Shipping companies, freight forwarders, and trade bodies handling bulk/containerized cargo.
Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Service:
- Regular freight services ensure timely cargo delivery.
- Routes and schedules:
  - NW 1: Kolkata–Patna–Varanasi–Patna–Kolkata.
  - NW 2 (via IBPR): Kolkata–Pandu (Guwahati).
- Transit times:
  - Kolkata to Patna: 7 days.
  - Patna to Varanasi: 5 days.
  - Kolkata to Varanasi: 14 days.
  - Kolkata to Pandu: 18 days;
  - Pandu to Kolkata: 15 days.
Pilot Shipments under the Scheme:
- MV Trishul: 1,500 tonnes of cement from Kolkata to Pandu (via IBPR).
- MV Aai: 1,000 tonnes of gypsum to Patna.
- MV Homi Bhaba: 200 tonnes of coal to Varanasi.
Validity: The scheme is initially valid for a period of three years.

Economic and Environmental Benefits:

Cost Reduction: Incentivizes cargo movement over 300 km, aiming to lower logistics costs.
Environmental Impact: Reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainable transport.
Economic Growth: Unlocks value in the Blue Economy by utilizing under-tapped waterway resources.

Progress and Goals:

Growth in Cargo Movement:
- Increased from 18.07 million MT (2013-14) to 132.89 million MT (2023-24) (700% growth).
- Target: 200 million MT by 2030 and 500 million MT by 2047.
Modal Shift Target:
- Aims to shift 800 million tonne-kilometers of cargo by 2027, with ₹95.4 crore investment.

Inland Waterways in India:

India has an extensive network of inland waterways comprising rivers, canals, backwaters, and creeks, which are a vital yet underutilized mode of transportation. These waterways offer immense potential for eco-friendly and cost-effective cargo and passenger movement.

Key Features of Inland Waterways in India:

Total Navigable Length:
- 20,236 km of navigable waterways.
  - 17,980 km of rivers.
  - 2,256 km of canals suitable for mechanized crafts.
National Waterways (NWs):
- 111 waterways have been declared as National Waterways (NWs) under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
- Key operational NWs:
  - NW 1: River Ganga (Allahabad to Haldia – 1,620 km).
  - NW 2: River Brahmaputra (Dhubri to Sadiya – 891 km).
  - NW 3: West Coast Canal (Kollam to Kottapuram – 205 km).
  - NW 4: Godavari and Krishna rivers along with canals (Kakinada to Puducherry – 1,095 km).
  - NW 5: Brahmani and Mahanadi rivers and East Coast Canal (588 km).
Management Authority:
- Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), established in 1986, oversees development and regulation.

Government Initiatives:

National Waterways Act, 2016:
- Declared 111 waterways as National Waterways to enhance development.
Sagarmala Project:
- Focus on port-led development, including inland water transport as a priority.
Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP):
- Development of NW 1 (Ganga) between Varanasi and Haldia with financial assistance from the World Bank.
Jalvahak Scheme (2024):
- Introduced incentives to promote cargo movement on NW 1, NW 2, and NW 16.
Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR):
- Enhances connectivity between India and Bangladesh through shared waterways.